they are still available in the open market.

These shiny notes are also found under the Gulistan Complex in the capital, under the main branch of Bangladesh Bank, and under the Sadarghat branch. However, customers are returning empty-handed from the branches of banks in the capital. This information was obtained after searching at least 14 branches of 7 banks and under Gulistan, Sadarghat and Bangladesh Bank on Monday and Tuesday.

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The government has released new banknotes on the occasion of Eid. This is the first time that Bangladesh Bank has changed the design of banknotes since the interim government took office.

Starting Monday, these new notes will be distributed through 10 more banks outside Bangladesh Bank branches. The banks are Sonali, Janata, Agrani, Rupali, Pubali, Uttara, Dutch-Bangla, Islami Bank, Al-Arafah Islami Bank and BRAC Bank.

Bangladesh Bank Executive Director and Spokesperson Arif Hossain said that the local offices of these banks have been given new money. However, the banks themselves will decide which bank will distribute the new money through which branch.

Meanwhile, on Monday and Tuesday, when we went to the old money market under the Gulistan Complex, we saw vendors sitting with piles of new 1,000, 50, and 20 taka notes. They were selling the new notes to customers while shouting. These notes were being sold at a 10 percent premium.

Although the new 50 and 20 taka notes

were not available on Monday, they are available from Tuesday. However, the quantity is small. Many people are buying the new 50 and 20 taka notes in advance to get the new money for Eid salami.

A buyer named Faruk Hossain said, "I went to the bank and couldn't get it. I was confident that I would get it in Gulistan. That's what happened. I couldn't get it in the bank but I can get it here. Bangladesh is a country where everything is possible. The situation is the same under Bangladesh Bank. However, in these money markets, there is more demand for 50 and 20 taka notes than 1,000 taka notes. Buyers are returning because they are not getting what they want. However, along with the new design notes, new notes of the previous design are also available in these shops."

A journalist was asked by a

seller of new money in Gulistan - how did he get these new notes? Without revealing his name, he said, "We don't go for money, Bangladesh Bank officials come and give it to us. This time, we went and brought it to increase the competition."

He said, "We buy money on commission.